Be Prepared!

Mia adopted the official motto of the Boy Scouts today, opening her umbrella inside the car on the way to lunch. Hopefully that is the extent of her embrace of paramilitary organizations (that espouse not-nice political positions).

Rain, Rain Go Away

I imagine if I look back in the archives about a year ago, I'd find the same post heading. I seem to forget that this time of year can be so gloomy and wet here in the Bay Area, but alas, here we are again all soggy. Today was a rare break from the downpour, which we celebrated with a Greek dance performance at the Discovery Museum. Mia boogied, bobbed and clapped along to the songs, despite no explicit instruction to make the show interactive. What can we say, she cannot ignore a beat.

We also went to see Cousin Cole at his swim class, which was supremely adorable. He was as serene as he always seems to be. Our Zen Master. Summoning his peacefulness, I restrained my desire to kick myself for not bringing along our camera to capture the moment.

Raindrops on Toddlers and Whiskers on Tutus -- A Few of Mia's Favorite Things

You can't see it in the photos, but Mia is decked out in a Hello Kitty tutu, inexpensively procured at H&M (in case any of you are in the market for such a thing). The first photo is of Mia and her fellow students at dance class, learning about the Cinderella ballet. The second is post-class, having some fun in the rain. We are so thoroughly soggy here, so it is nice that all this weather is bringing somebody smiles. Speaking of smiles, I was doing just that in response to the following Mia observation while we were in the car: "Mama, the road is getting a shower and bath." Indeed it is.

Once Upon a Time

Playgroup turned into a spontaneous storybook hour this morning. Could Mia be more serious? Could these kids be any more adorable?



* These videos are sized too big on the blog, despite my heroic efforts to cut it down to a more petite size. If you click to watch it on youtube, you will see the whole thing. Sorry!

A Big Saturday, Even Without a Trip to Home Depot

I wanted to take a picture of the new dress Mia picked out herself (no sparkles or ruffles anywhere!), but the Flip was handy, so I instead took some video of Mia and Otter playing around this weekend. Grandparents Glasgow sent a very large box this week and I think it might be getting more use than what was inside (Christmas presents we couldn't bring with us on the plane). And yes, to answer the question on all of your minds: we are considering entering Otter into some greyhound races.

Otter Chasing Squirrels (in His Dreams)

See Mia Move

I've been terrible about uploading video (actually, I've been bad at actually recording). Making amends now, here are two videos from this evening. One is Mia practicing her dance moves and the other of her playing house with her Calico Critters, little animal families that drive me mad. Non-human animals are not meant to be wearing human clothes, which as a total aside, is the reason I will not be seeing Fantastic Mr. Fox, even though it looks otherwise up my alley. Carry on, don't let my own neurosis prevent you from enjoying a toddler playing with her toys.

Version 2.0

Facebook is having a little retro action and for those who won't see it on there, here is the photo I posted. My curls are mom-made.

Chilling at the Zoo

We paid a chilly visit to the San Francisco Zoo and Mia's excitement to be back among her local animals was noted by me, as well as by the other visitors who at one point crowded around her to see what all the crazy giggling was about. Her favorites at the moment are the monkeys, although she had a great time hanging with the penguins (the first photo above) and the new chicks (second photo, an exhibit on eggs and hatching). She was especially taken by my thoroughly scientific explanation about how the eggs became baby chickens, which resulted in her obsessively pacing back and forth between the exhibit, trying to make sure she had it figured out. I suspect she is trying to determine where the discarded eggshells are for all these newborn human babies we know, including Baby Cousin Cole. Let's hope that discussion is postponed for another day.

Cinderella Arrives in Northern California

After learning about the ballet, Cinderella, in Tutu School today, Mia became quite interested in the dress Aunt Chris gave her for the holidays. All she needs are some glass slippers.

Girl in a Bubble

Fortunately, the situation was only temporary.

Need a Hat?

Mia suggests the Dora toddler underwear as an excellent substitute for headwear if you are in a pinch.